I just got a 2 month old german shepard, this is my first dog and i am clueless to what shots to give it and what other things i need to do. So far, i know his first shots should come about this time, but what shots in perticular and what else should i look out for?

I don't have a vet as of right now, so maybe if you guys are familiar with any good (and cheap) ones in so. cali, that would be nice too..

btw, how much do shots go for, and how about vet visits? does any type of health insurace cover the dog too??

gosh this dog is expensive to keep

 

Don't know about SoCal but here in Michigan when we take our dog in for her annual checkup with shots (rabies, dpt, lyme, etc.)
heartworm testing and a 6month supply of monthly chews ($5 each heartworm meds) Frontline flea and tick treatment ($50) but it lasts a long time 2-3 months per application and that is for 4 apps.

So about time we get out of the office we have spent about $200
You can purchase health care for your dog. Lots of sites under Pet health care insurance, here's just one: http://www.petcareinsurance.com/

Good luck with your puppy, and before everyone else starts: PICS PLEASE

 

Yep, I just got a puppy back in Feb. We have gone through 3 sets of shots, at around $50 each. Neutering is going to be around $200.

That little bastard is going to cost me an OEM spoiler! But really, you're spending a little bit of money for unconditional love over the next 7 to 12 years

 

Go buy "The art of raising your puppy", by the Monks of New Skete for a great book on puppy training. As a bonus, the authors specialize in shepherds.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...=glance&s=books

Puppy vaccines are actually extremely easy to give yourself, especially if you can have your vet or knowledgeable friend show you how. All the vaccines can be purchased at places like http://www.drsfostersmith.com,but for only one dog, it might not be worth the hassle and shipping costs. The Fosters web site also has a complete vaccination schedule on line as well.

Vaccines are one of the highest margin services vet's provide. The actual cost of the vaccines, even in single quantity, are like two bucks.

For spaying/neutering, most animal shelters offer low cost altering, and in my experience, typically have top notch vets working for them. Something to be said for a vet that does five surgeries a day vs. the corner vet who might do five a month.

 

When you bought the dog, you should have been told (or better yet given documentation) what what vaccinations have been done. a 9 weeks or so, you've still got some parvo boosters (hopefully he's had his parvo shot) and will need to start him on heartword medication. There's also kennel cough treatment.

You should not yet take him to play with other dogs or take him where other dogs have been (with the exception of the vet)

There is pet health insurance, not idea about how much it costs or what it covers.

If you don't know what he's had or what he's due for, take him to the vet. The checkup should be around $30 - $40 + costs of shots and meds.


- Yes, my girlfriend is a vet. heh.

 

Ditto on Monks of New Skete
Read their books.
Having a dog as big as a Shepherd can be a nightmare if they are not trained properly.

Shepherds are great dogs !

Grace us with some pics if you get a chance

 

Los Angeles Animal Services has many low-cost/free services, including vaccination and neutering. Call your local shelter or go to their website. Our vet is absolutely wonderful, but she's a long way from you (Sherman Oaks). We used to make the drive from South Pasadena. She's that good.

Once your puppy has reached the 4-month mark (and finished all of the requisite shots), take him to an offleash park at least once a month to help get him socialized. We failed to do that with our Saint, and really regret it. With a large dog, you want to be 100% sure they'll get along with people and other dogs. There's a popular park in the Silverlake area.

We got pet insurance for our Boxer. We used it for one surgery before he died at the untimely age of 5. Then the f*ing insurance company denied the claim. We paid some ungodly sum of money for insurance that was worth exactly ZERO. Obviously, I don't recommend insurance. If you have a really sick animal that requires constant medication and/or procedures, then it may be useful.